Oriental Bittersweet - Celastrus orbiculatus
  • Climbing, dioecious (separte male & female plants) woody plant with glossy, alternate leaves and colorful organe fruit which split open to reveal 3 fleshy, red arils
  • The invasive Celastrus orbiculatus is separated from the native C. scandens as follows:

 

 

The Problem

  • Can grow 3m/yr allowing it to quickly overtop or girdle trees
  • Excess weight causes tree breakage in storms
  • Can hybridize with native species resulting in loss of genetic integrity. In NB the native species is believed to be extirpated

Distribution

  • In NB mostly a problem along the Fundy coast
  • Found in Eastern Canada and USA